MIDDLE ISLAND, N.Y.-- Firefighter Anthony T. Catania died Feb. 2 after suffering a stroke, according to Middle Island Chief Craig A. Tunjian.
While responding to an EMS call shortly after 3 p.m. on Jan. 28, the 77-year-old experienced difficulty breathing and was unable to exit his vehicle.
Catania then call for assistance from his radio and an ambulance arrived. He was transported to a local hospital and then transferred to University Hospital at Stony Brook where he underwent surgery.
Tunjian said Catania had served as a member of the department for 10 years and had been a member of the fire service since 1969. He previously served as chief of the North Massapequa, N.Y. Fire Department, also located on Long Island.
"He was very active in the department and always had something good to say," Tunjian said. "Everyone has been talking about how much he did and how he will be missed"
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Firehouse.com will provide more information on this story as it becomes available.
Funeral Information
Visitation for Firefighter Catania will be held Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Giove Funeral Home, Middle Island, N.Y.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 8 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Cabrini Church in Coram, N.Y.
Burial will follow at Calverton National Cemetary.
